Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-04-01
III. G. DAVIS OPINION
OF Mr. CAMDEN AND THE SENATORIAL
QUESTION.
An Estimate Of Ar. Camden From a Disinteressed
Party Who Knows What He is Writing
AbOut-In Case of No Elscilu We
VIII Have bat One SsnatOR a.



PIEDMONT, W. VA, March 25.-As the
best way to answer numerous inquiries
both personal and by letter, asking my
views on what is called the Senatorial
Contest" in West Virginia, ask the cour,
tesy Of a brief space in your paper.
believe that, in the consideration OI
all question, the welfare of the people oI
the State, which includes the development
of its great resources, should be given the
preference over and above advantage OF
disadvantage that might accrue to indiyid-
uals or parties. The greatest resources OF
wealth in West Virginia are her large and
valuable deposits OF coal, iron ore and her
timber. Unless these articles aad her
manufactures are protected, by proper
and reasonable tariff, and are given an
outlet to the worlds markets, by rail-
roads, they are practically yalueless. II
is admitted by great majority of the peO-
pie, of all parties, that Mr.. Camden's
views, acts and votes, on the questions OF
the tariff, finance, and the development OF
the State by railroads, have been in the
direction of the best interests of the people
and State. The country, and especially
West Virginia, owes Camden q debt for
what is known aS his Long and Short
Haul Amendment" to the Interstate
Commerce Act" West Virginia has less
railroads and more mineral resources than
States that surround us. Capital is timid
and cautious and will not 90 where legis-
lation and people me unfriendly. Camden
has brought two or three millions Of dol
lars into the State, which have been in
vested in railroads, and scattered among
the people, not only developing the State
and its resources, but helping tn pay the
taxes. On the other hand, IL il geneT-
ally believed and admitted that the Demo
Gratis who are opposing Camden 3ympathlze
with, and some of them act with those who
advocate what is known rs free trade, y
and do nothing to aid railroad and other
improvements. Thus a square issue Is
made between tue moderate tariff men, In
favor of improvements, and the free
traders" and anti-imprOvement men. As
70 which side represents the best and
truest interests of the State, there ought to
he no question. | believe the State should
be represented in the United States Senate
by a liberal, progressive Democrat. No
free government nor successful party or
ganizatiOn can last long except it be based
upon the principle that the majority must
rule. The Democrats have q majority Of
the Legislature and they have right TO
name the man they want for Senator or for
any Office in their power to ill, and
having named him, he is entitled TO the
party's support. One Of the questions at
issue is: shall three-fOurthS OF the Demo
cratic members of the Legislature have
their choice of Senator, Or shall one
fourth select the mau? believe in proper
ly protecting the minority, but in all things
that constitute q body polite or corporate,
whether in business, politics, Church or
State, it is and should be the universal law
or custom that the majority must rule.
What would have been said hy the Oppo-
nents of Senator Camden ii the situation
had been reversed and those now in the
minority had constituted majority.
John Randolph and Henry Clay were bit
ter personal enemies. Clay WAS candl-
date for Speaker, and though strongly op-
posed by Randolph in the caucus, secured
the nomination. Randolph, however,
voted for him after he was nominated, and
upon one of Clay'S friends thanking him
for doing so, replied: Il voted for my
party and i'spIinciples, not for MIR. Clay. W
One OF the few charges against Senator
Camden was that he furnished his party
money in the late canvas. COncede this;
no man, friend or foe, has yet been found
that will make the direct charge that any
man was bought or that money in any way
influenced his vote, or action. Camden Is
a liberal man, and Ishaye no doubt he did
contribute means to effect the organization
of his party in the late election. You can
no more run q political campaign without
money than you can church, a beneficial
or temperance society, or any other or
ganizatiOn.
The abuse OF Federal patronage has been
charged and it is alleged Senior Camden
used his influence to have his friends ap-
pointed to office. Well, if he did, it was
but natural for him to take care OF his
friends. Has not Governor Wilson done
the same in making State appointments
and that of United States Senator? A
third, and | think the only other charge,
is that Senator Camden has accumulated
money. Ifso, it was honestly done; who
does not want to do likewise? The fact
that a man has made money in fair and
honest way speaks well for his business
capacity. Even so stern a moralIst rs the
eminent DIR. johnson, declared that a
man is seldom more innocently employed
than when honestly engaged in the acqui-
sition of money"
Experience and observation teach us that,
rs a rule, il is we'll To beware of ana look
ont for the man OF set OF men, in politics,
church or state, who parade their honesty
and preach that they are better and purer
than others.
The Constitution of the United States,
which is paramount to that OF the State,
reuuIres that the Legislature, il ar when
in session, shall elect Senators. In my
opinion, it is the duty of the Legislature,
at the coming extra session, to elect a
Senator, and | hope they will do so. II
not, feel confident, from all published
precedents, and from the best information
can get from eminent men well posted IN
I such matters Ut the State will be rep
resented by but (e Senator until the regu-
lar meeting OF the legislature in 1889.
H. G.. DAVIS.